Targeted Primary and Secondary Preventive Strategies for Depression among Malaysian Pharmacy Students

Bibliographic Data

ID15502946
AuthorsIzyan A Wahab (0000-0002-7447-671X, University of Malaya, corresponding author), Khang Wen Goh (0000-0001-6686-7019, INTI International University), Zainol Akbar Zainal (0000-0003-0831-4955, University of Cyberjaya), Najlaa Siham Mohamed Mohamed Yusof (Kurnia Primary Health Clinic, Kuantan 25150, Malaysia), Hasniza Zaman Huri (0000-0002-6423-8515, University of Malaya), Sabrina Anne Jacob (0000-0001-8012-7789, University of Strathclyde), Muhammad Najib Mohamad Alwi (0000-0002-2397-4321, Management and Science University), Rosnani Hashim (0000-0003-0890-4031, University of Cyberjaya), Shairyzah Ahmad Hisham (0000-0002-4100-3561, University of Cyberjaya), Shairyzah Ahmad Ahmad Hisham (University of Cyberjaya), Nurdiana Jamil (0000-0001-6277-4261, University of Cyberjaya)
Year2022
Volume19
Issue15
Pages9629-9629
Publication date2022-08-05
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenueInternational Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 1661-7827 • E-ISSN: 1660-4601
PublisherMultidisciplinary Digital Publishing Institute (PUBLISHER • CH)
DOI10.3390/ijerph19159629
PMID35954990
OpenAlexW4290517804
LanguageEN
Citations received2
References cited45

The global depression burden has remained a challenge throughout the pre- and post-pandemic era. The pandemic effect has led to the spiraling of mental disorders among young people who will be the next generation of leaders. This study aims to identify university students’ sociodemographic, psychosocial and academic backgrounds and performance associated with depression symptoms for the development of primary and secondary preventive strategies for mental health. A cross-sectional study was conducted using an online questionnaire distributed to 19 institutions in Malaysia offering a Bachelor of Pharmacy degree program. The self-rated Depression Anxiety Stress Scale (DASS-42) was used to assess depression symptoms. Pearson’s chi-square test and Fisher’s exact test were used to assess the investigated variables with depression symptoms. Independent T-test and one-way ANOVA were used to compare means of depression score across variables. Binary logistic regression was employed to examine the relationship between the investigated variables and depression symptoms. A total of 610 pharmacy students participated, of which 47% (n = 289/610) were having depression symptoms. Students who smoke nicotine and those who have separated parents, family history of mental illness, and poor academic performance were associated with depression symptoms (p < 0.05). Differences in geographical areas, race and religion also showed significant associations with depression symptoms. Parental marital status, poor academic performance, history of mental illness and comorbidities were statistically predicting depression symptoms (p < 0.05). Primary preventive strategies allowing students to harness healthy coping skills for stress, nicotine-free campaigns and a holistic curriculum are warranted. Secondary measures on mindfulness and compassion skills activities to benefit students who experienced early life crises are highly recommended. Enforcing these targeted strategies in collaboration with health and social sectors should be the primary agenda of universities to ensure their uptake

Coping (psychology · Depression (economics · Environmental health · Family medicine · Marital status · Mental health · Mental illness · Psychiatry · Psychosocial · Clinical Psychology · COVID-19 and Mental Health · Medicine · Mental Health Treatment and Access · Mindfulness and Compassion Interventions · Psychology · Pharmacy

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